Temples and Shrines in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

Choju-ji

Kamakura, Kanagawa

A serene Rinzai Zen temple in Kamakura's Yamanouchi district, known for its peaceful atmosphere and seasonal beauty. Open only on weekends, it offers visitors a tranquil retreat with traditional temple architecture and wellmaintained gardens.

Why you should go

Seasonal scenery is one of Choju-ji's highlights, so consider visiting in a season you especially enjoy for the gardens.
Choju-ji in Kamakura is open only on weekends, so plan your visit for Saturday or Sunday.
Visit for a quiet atmosphere if you want a tranquil stop in Kamakura; the temple is specifically described as serene and peaceful.

1503 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062

Enoshima

Fujisawa, Kanagawa

Enoshima Shrine Complex is a historic group of shrines across Enoshima Island in Fujisawa, Kanagawa. Dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, arts, and good fortune, it has several halls linked by paths, stone steps, ocean views, and shopping streets...

Why you should go

Wear comfortable walking shoes; Enoshima is only about 4 km around, making it realistic to explore much of the island on foot.
If you want both worship sites and sea views, choose walking routes that include Enoshima Shrine and the island paths facing Sagami Bay.
Plan Enoshima as a day trip: the island mixes shrine visits, shops, and walking paths with Sagami Bay views in one compact area.

Enoshima, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0036, JapanWebsite +81

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Shrine

Ennoji

Kamakura, Kanagawa

Open now

A historic Zen Buddhist temple in Kamakura, known for its unique collection of ten wooden statues depicting the Kings of Hell (Enma). The temple offers a contemplative atmosphere and provides insight into Buddhist concepts of judgment and the afterlife.

Why you should go

Ennoji is a historic Zen Buddhist temple in Kamakura.
Take time to view the Ten Kings statues carefully; they are the temple's signature feature and key to understanding its theme.
Visit for a quiet, contemplative stop; the grounds are described as calm and suited to peaceful worship.

1543 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062Website +81 467-25-1095

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Temple

Goryo

Kamakura, Kanagawa

1 Goshuin

Historic Shinto shrine in Kamakura dedicated to Gongoro Kagemasa, a brave samurai of the Kamakura period. Known for its traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere, it serves as an important cultural site preserving local history and spiritual traditions.

Why you should go

The shrine offers both hand-written and pre-written goshuin (temple stamps), and special cat-themed goshuin are available for collectors. Be sure to bring your goshuin book or purchase one on-site if you want the hand-written version.
Time your visit for the Enoden train schedule to catch the crossing bells, lowered barriers, and the train passing the torii gate. The sound of wheels and motors echoes off nearby walls.
Despite being a compact shrine, Goryo Shrine is well-maintained and worth combining with nearby attractions like Zeniarai Benzaiten and Hasedera Temple as part of a walking route through this area of Kamakura.

4-9 Sakanoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0021, Japan+81

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Shrine

Gokuraku-ji

Kamakura, Kanagawa

Open now

Gokurakuji is a historic Buddhist temple in Kamakura, known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful natural setting. As one of the important temples in the area, it offers visitors a peaceful retreat with traditional architecture and seasonal gardens.

Why you should go

The temple grounds are compact and can be explored in about 20 minutes, but the treasure hall (Hōmotsukan) is only open on specific days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays) during limited periods from April 25-May 25 and October...
If you're not particularly interested in temple architecture and Buddhist art, this may not be the most engaging stop unless you're combining it with a visit to the charming Gokurakuji Station, as the grounds are small and the treasure hall has...
Photography is prohibited within the temple grounds, so enjoy the experience through observation rather than through your camera lens and take your photos at the famous nearby Gokurakuji Station instead.

3 Chome-6-7 Gokurakuji, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0023, JapanWebsite +810886891112

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Temple

Hansobo

Kamakura, Kanagawa

1 Goshuin

Hansobo is a hillside sacred site within Kenchoji Temple in Kamakura, known for its long stairway, rows of tengu statues, and lookout over the valley. Though often called a shrine, it protects the temple grounds and is associated with a local protective deity.

Why you should go

The climb to Hansobo involves ascending approximately 250 steep stone steps through the forest, so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip and allow 15-20 minutes for the uphill walk from the main Kenchoji Temple grounds.
The shrine marks the starting or ending point of the Ten-en Hiking Course, so consider extending your visit by continuing on this trail that stretches beyond the hilltop shrine into the surrounding mountains.
Look for the 12 statues of karasu (crow) tengu along the pathway leading up to the shrine, each depicted in different poses as protective attendants of Hansobo who guard Kenchoji Temple against fire.

8 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062, JapanWebsite +81467251773

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Shrine

Hase-dera

Kamakura, Kanagawa

Open now

5 Goshuin

Ancient Buddhist temple in Kamakura famous for its massive 9meter gilded wooden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Founded in 736, it features beautiful gardens, ocean views, and thousands of small Jizo statues honoring children.

Why you should go

If you visit in summer, bring an umbrella and cooling spray because it gets hot.
The lower grounds include the Benten-kutsu Cave, where the walls are carved to create statues of Benzaiten, the goddess of fortune, and her 16 disciples.
The hydrangea walk requires a separate ticket, which you should book online. If you miss online booking and want to avoid a two-hour wait for a walk-in ticket, you can find beautiful hydrangeas throughout the complex.

3-chōme-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, JapanWebsite +810467226300

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Temple

Hazanono

Open now

Hanazono Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in central Shinjuku, Tokyo, founded in the mid17th century and long regarded as the guardian shrine of the district. Tucked behind modern buildings, it is known for seasonal festivals, cherry blossoms, and a lively...

Why you should go

Plan around festival dates if you prefer a lively atmosphere: Hanazono Shrine is known for seasonal festivals and its annual Tori-no-Ichi market.
Visit during cherry blossom season if you want shrine scenery with sakura; it's specifically noted as a popular time here.
Hanazono Shrine was founded in the mid-17th century and has long served as Shinjuku district's guardian shrine.

5-chōme-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, JapanWebsite +81332095265

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Shrine

Kanagawa Prefecture

Cities & Wards

Kamakura

Fujisawa

Samukawa

Top places to visit in Kanagawa Prefecture

Choju-ji

Why you should go

Enoshima

Why you should go

Ennoji

Why you should go

Goryo

Why you should go

Gokuraku-ji

Why you should go

Hansobo

Why you should go

Hase-dera

Why you should go

Hazanono

Why you should go

Cities & Wards

Kamakura

Fujisawa

Samukawa

Top places to visit in Kanagawa Prefecture

Why you should go

Why you should go

Why you should go

Why you should go

Why you should go

Why you should go

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